The Jesuits of the Chinese Province and their mission partners in Taiwan convened at the Tien Educational Center in late March to reflect on the significant moments in the past six months, discuss the implementation of the Chinese Province Apostolic Plan 2022-2029, and explore ways to improve networking and collaboration.

Although each unit had a different focus, there were many similarities in what they considered important events in the province recently, such as the launch of their e-newsletter by the Chinese Province Communications Office, the passing of Fr Charles Welsh SJ and Fr Ignatius Shen Teh-chung SJ, the participation of representatives from Rerum Novarum Social Service Center in the Asia-Pacific Refugee and Migrant Conference, the 70th anniversary celebration of the Holy Family Church, the Magis World Youth Day pilgrimage training, and the meeting between Chinese Provincial Fr Stephen Tong SJ and the province’s benefactors.

Directors from Magis Youth Center, Rerum Novarum Social Service Center, and the pastor of Zhudong Immaculate Conception Parish initiated the conversation on the Chinese Province Apostolic Plan (PAP). They described the process as a journey of “walking together,” “establishing a new culture and vision,” “belonging to the same province,” and “being nurtured”. Some noted how “collaboration between internal and external units was strengthened,” and the shift in the understanding and practice of “Ignatian spirituality from the abstract to the practical”. Others mentioned the tension between “being and doing,” “job skills and interpersonal relationships,” and “complaining culture and positive culture” that affect their interpretation and implementation of the apostolic plan.

Fr Matthew Hsü Shen-yi SJ then facilitated a review of the PAP document, covering milestones in the development process, the 15 elements of a renewed culture of positivity and collaboration, the vision and priorities identified, and the recognition of the entire document by Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ. He emphasised that implementing the plan is an ongoing journey. After a short break, the participants engaged in spiritual conversations, sharing their views on PAP, how they were inspired from the earlier presentations, and how the plan is being integrated into their work. The fruit of their spiritual conversations were then shared to the large group, and Fr Tong responded. He underscored that PAP is an “orientation” that provides everyone with a “horizon” to broaden their perspective and leads them to new “insights”. He encouraged the directors to find ways to connect with the province plan, highlighting the balance between “being and doing.”

During the second half of the meeting, the directors participated in a game aimed at promoting reflection on how the different units can achieve collaboration and synergy. This opened a discussion on ways to cultivate, organise, and conduct future meetings. The finance, human resources, and communication offices also gave updates on their respective work.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Fr Tong shared his observations from his recent visits to various communities and apostolates within the province. He acknowledged the challenges of personnel transfers and emphasised the importance of integrating resources to ensure the smooth progression of work. Despite these challenges, Fr Tong expressed gratitude for the growing vocation within the Chinese Province and spoke highly of the young scholastics’ desire to serve the marginalised and their spiritual commitment. This served as a good ending to the meeting, as each one said a prayer and looked forward to the next gathering with grateful hearts.